BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – TechBirmingham announced the launch of its first-ever Southeast regional pitch competition designed to spur new business growth and job creation.
The competition, called Sloss.Tech/Ideas, is made possible thanks to financial support from the Regions Foundation. New this year, the competition will kick off the expanded three-day Sloss Tech conference beginning Wednesday, June 25. As part of the competition, innovative startups from across the Southeast will have the chance to compete for a grand prize of $50,000 in investment funding.
The Regions Foundation is a nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank. The Foundation supports programs that fuel economic and community development, along with education, workforce readiness, and financial wellness.
After six consecutive sold-out years, Sloss Tech is expanding its footprint to become a comprehensive three-day experience running June 25-27, 2025, throughout Birmingham’s historic theatre district. The addition of the pitch competition marks a significant evolution for the conference, further establishing it as one of the Southeast’s best experiences for tech and innovation.
“Thanks to the support of Regions Foundation, Sloss.Tech/Ideas will strengthen our shared commitment to support the entrepreneurs shaping the Southeast’s next economy in mobility, agriculture, biotech and beyond,” said Deon Gordon, President and CEO of TechBirmingham. “From steel to startups, Birmingham has always been a city of builders. Now, we’re forging the future in innovation.”
Thanks to the support of Regions Foundation, Sloss.Tech/Ideas will strengthen our shared commitment to support the entrepreneurs shaping the Southeast’s next economy in mobility, agriculture, biotech and beyond.
Sloss.Tech/Ideas will showcase 16 promising startups from around the Southeast competing in four key technology sectors that represent areas of significant growth and opportunity across the region:
- Agtech and Foodtech
- Healthtech and Biotech
- Mobility and Transportation Technology
- Emerging Tech
The competition will award multiple prizes, including:
- $50,000 for Best in Show
- $10,000 People’s Choice Award
- Three (3) $5,000 Category Winner prizes
“Sloss Tech has always supported new ideas; now, through this competition, we’re able to provide financial support that will empower entrepreneurs to reach the next level of success,” said Marta Self, Executive Director of the Regions Foundation. “We believe the next generation of transformative companies is taking root right here in our region, and we’re committed to helping them grow.”
Sloss Tech has always supported new ideas; now, through this competition, we’re able to provide financial support that will empower entrepreneurs to reach the next level of success.
Applications for Sloss.Tech/Ideas are now open and will be accepted through April 25. Eligible startups must be based in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina or Tennessee; have launched their product or service no earlier than January 2020; and have raised no more than $5 million in combined funding.
Each presenting company will receive comprehensive support, including:
- Two complimentary general admission badges for Sloss Tech 2025
- A $250 travel stipend
- Pre-event and on-site coaching
- Opportunity to showcase products/services during Sloss Tech’s Startup Showcase
Early bird tickets for the full Sloss Tech 2025 conference will be available in mid-March, with general admission tickets going on sale in early April.
For more information about Sloss.Tech/Ideas powered by Regions Foundation, including pitch competition application details, please visit sloss.tech or contact TechBirmingham at [email protected].
About TechBirmingham
TechBirmingham is a community of tech and tech-adjacent organizations, groups, and individuals invested in a common mission: establishing Birmingham as the most innovative and inclusive technology ecosystem in the South. Through its diverse programming and community initiatives, TechBirmingham strengthens and promotes the ecosystem and its tech companies, helps to recruit and retain tech talent and entrepreneurs, and provides educational opportunities. Find out more information at techbirmingham.com or on LinkedIn.
About Regions Foundation
The Alabama-based Region Foundation supports community investments that positively impact communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank. To learn more about the Regions Foundation visit www.regions.com/foundation.